From Citrus Heights, California, the Science Fiction themed Power/Thrash Metal five-piece Dire Peril arise. The band was initially founded in 2009 with guitarist Jason Ashcraft (Brumal), but over the years managed to put the pieces together. Jeremiah Bear soon joined on bass, followed by vocalist Norman Skinner (Skinner, Hellscream). 2012 saw the release of their debut EP Astronomical Minds, but this didn’t stop the growth. Soon drummer Ben Jackson and guitarist Jearme Greathouse jumped on board to help shape what would become the 2014 EP Queen of the Galaxy. But, with a full-length looming for 2015, does this four song offering have the strength to increase their already growing fanbase, or is it enough to turn you away entirely?

Queen of the Galaxy sounds faily strong overall as far as the heavier music goes, though there’s clearly a bit of a rougher tone to the output that works to the group’s advantage at times. “My Vengeance is Everything (Chaos Reigns)” relies heavily on the dominant bass guitar and dirtier Thrash Metal distortion that blurs the line between Gamma Ray grade Speed Metal and Iced Earth hooks. There’s also a good amount of layered vocals that make the aggressive nature of the song carry more weight to it, though the falsettos at times can feel a little like overkill. “Space Invaders” is much the same, albeit darker and tighter. Guitarist Tony Cordisco (Judicator) also contributes to the song, which only helps cement the power of the faster riffs throughout all but the slower atmospheric closing.

The second half of Queen of the Galaxy is a much different entity overall. The title track features Unleash the Archers vocalist Brittney Hayes, as well as a heavier dose of eighties Science Fiction on par with the Flash Gordon of that time. The lighter melodic piece screams that era’s animated series opening theme song with a little more bite, and Brittney’s contributions sound pretty good for the duet fashion being utilized. While catchy, the final product ends up sounding a bit on the weaker side. The same goes for the cover of Boston‘s “Something About You.” The vocals sound distant and weak here, and at times as watery as the song itself sounds clunky and uninspiring.

When the band is a little heavier and more aggressive, Queen of the Galaxy can really grab hold of the listener. When it’s a little softer or more Rock oriented, it can end up a bit of a disappointment. This all stems from what rougher traits the audio has at the end of the day, which definitely do not favor the latter in any way. Dire Peril‘s fans will easily take note of the progression the band has made over the years and enjoy what’s here for what it is. If you haven’t had the chance to check this band out, Queen of the Galaxy is well worth giving a spin when it drops, but hopefully their impending full-length album Through Time & Space will sound a little better overall.